Debate over ‘sir’, ‘madam’ reaches SHRC

Commission registers case following complaint by an activist

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has filed a case in connection with the ongoing debate over the issue of using the salutation ‘sir’ and ‘madam.’

The SHRC registered the case following a complaint by rights activist Boban Mattumantha, who was in the forefront of a campaign against the use of expressions from the colonial period asserting the authority of those in governance. Several civic bodies across the State came forward to drop the use of ‘sir’ and ‘madam’ as part of the campaign, which continues to gain momentum.